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Klasika III: Music Slovenia - A Selection of Contemporary Compositions for Orchestra and Ensembles

This time, the focus is on works by younger-generation Slovenian composers: Matej Bonin, Larisa Vrhunc, Nina Šenk, Vito Žuraj, Petra Strahovnik, Neville Hall, and Urška Pompe.

The selection of composers, works, and recordings was curated by Gregor Pompe PhD, who also wrote an in-depth accompanying essay. In its introduction, he writes:

"Judging by the results of international composition competitions (Petra Strahovnik won the 66th International Rostrum of Composers in 2019; in 2015, Matej Bonin's Cancro was selected in the under-30 category; in 2024, Matic Romih’s work was chosen in the same category. Additionally, two of Vito Žuraj’s compositions, along with works by Larisa Vrhunc and Neville Hall, were listed among the recommended pieces at the Rostrum), and by performances from prestigious global symphony orchestras (the Berlin Philharmonic performed works by Vito Žuraj and Nina Šenk; Šenk's compositions have also been performed by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam and the New York Philharmonic; Žuraj's works have been played by numerous other top-tier German orchestras, both composers have also had their operas premiered abroad in recent years) and by leading ensembles for contemporary music, we can say that Slovenia has become a global composing superpower at the beginning of the 21st century."

This project was created in collaboration with RadioSloveniaProgram ARS, which commissioned most of the recordings, and ZKP RTV Slovenija, responsible for professional mastering.

The featured performers include: Forum of New Music Ensemble, Neofonía Ensemble, Ensemble Modern, Norrbotten NEO, Ives Ensemble, Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, Slowind Wind Quintet, RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Slagwerk Den Haag, and Trio Tempestoso. Conductors featured in the project include: Bengt Tommy Andersson, Marco Angius, Johannes Kalitzke, Lucie Leguay, Steven Loy, Edo Mičić, Rossen Milanov, George Pehlivanian, and En Shao.

The compilation is available in digital form only, across all major streaming platforms. It is also fully accessible on RTV 365. The accompanying essay is accessible via ZKP RTV Slovenija. A physical version is available as a single CD with a streaming code granting access to the full compilation. This release is non-commercial and promotional in nature, intended for use at music fairs and industry events.